ABAKÚA Dancers Flying Solo

ABAKÚA has built a formidable reputation worldwide due to its unique style and innovative choreography by Artistic Director/Founder, Frankie Martinez. This past week, two of its dancers, Jimmy Ruiz and Keren Ashri went it alone to perform a dazzling new piece in Rome, Italy.
    Jimmy and Keren performed as one of the many celebrated dance groups in this year's Baila Conmigo Salsa Festival. Although the dance duo has performed together on other occasions, this was the first time in which they tested their mettle in front of an international salsa dance audience. For the occassion, Frankie souped the couple's choreography to Celia Cruz's Bomba Sono. After a few short weeks of rehearsing, they were off to Rome to strut their stuff and practice their Italian.
Jimmy shared his feelings on performing as a duo representing both himself as a dancer and ABAKÚA.

Jimmy: "Italy was absolutely amazing! Not discounting the beauty of the country, what truly made this trip special for Keren and I were the people, starting with the organizers of the Baila Conmigo festival, Aniello Buono and Angiola Maroscia.

Performing solo as an ABAKÚA dancer is an experience like no other. Ultimately, the expectation is that you produce with two people, the same excitement and quality of dance that you would if you were dancing with the entire company. Fortunately, it was so in Assisi. We had three classes to teach before the performance, and although the people loved each and everyone of them, it was clear by the end that deal would not, could not, be complete without a solid performance. Ultimately, I think I can safely say that we delivered.

It was truly a very different kind of rush for Keren and I. We missed the support and high energy of the company, but it was ok, because we were confident in our ability, and the pride that we carried each and every time there was mention of ABAKÚA was enough to fuel us for an infinite amount of classes and shows!"
  
Look for Jimmy, Keren and other dancers as they begin to establish themselves and ABAKÚA in the salsa community and beyond.

Next Evening with ABAKÚA, Friday, February 22nd!

Happy Belated Valentine's to all of our friends and supporters. Though this message comes late, it does not mean we love you any less! Whether it was from your family or your special someone, we hope that everyone felt lots of love this past week.
  This Friday, February 22nd, our party will be back, bringing you the hot classic salsa that you love to hear! Salsa and Cha Cha will be provided (lovingly) by your own DJ Frankie Martinez. The party will be hosted by Manny Blackett of ABAKÚA at Club 412, part of the company's lovely new home at You Should Be Dancing! Stop on by- we'd love to see you there!

Our Next Party:
Date: Friday, February 22nd
Time: 9:00 - 1:00 AM

Location:


412 8th Avenue (between W31st and 30th streets)

Admission: $10

MUSIC BY DJ FRANKIE MARTINEZ
Cash Bar Available Downstairs